Customs officers risk dismissal over confrontation with Vehicles Inspection Officers

THE management of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Tuesday said its officer captured a video that has gone viral in a fracas with some officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office and will face disciplinary action for the conduct.

In a statement signed by Mr. Abdullahi Naiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs and the Spokesman of the Customs Service said that the action and conduct of the officers captured in the video were at variance with the values and operational standards of the NCS. Maiwads also said that such behaviour undermines one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which is to foster collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). “The NCS acknowledges that the event occurred on Friday, 24 May 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office. The officers involved in this regrettable incident are NCS personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.

“The Service wishes to express its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by this regrettable incident. Furthermore, the NCS unequivocally dissociate itself from the actions of these officers. Their condemned behaviour, which appears to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to forestall future occurrences.

“The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team, strongly condemns such conduct and does not tolerate any actions that jeopardise the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation. The Service remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians.

Recall that some men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service went to the office of the Vehicle Inspectors where some altercation occurred, a development that subsequently led to a free-for-all all fight in the premises of the VIO.